"Aerodynamics? This is for those who don't know how to build engines" . This was the response of Enzo Ferrari, the Italian brand's iconic founder, to driver Paul Frère at Le Mans — after he had questioned the design of the Ferrari 250TR's windshield. It is also one of the most famous phrases in the automobile world, and clearly shows the primacy that was given to engine development over aerodynamics. At the time, an almost hidden science for the car industry.
After 57 years, it is unthinkable for a brand to develop a new model without paying attention to aerodynamics — be it an SUV or a competition model. And it is in this regard that both the spoiler and the rear wing (or if you prefer, aileron) assume an unequivocal importance in managing the aerodynamic drag and/or downforce of the models, directly influencing performance — not to mention the aesthetic component.
But contrary to what most people might think, these two aerodynamic appendages do not have the same function and aim at different results. Let's do it by steps.
spoiler
Placed at the rear end of the car — at the top of the rear window or in the boot/engine lid — the spoiler's main purpose is to reduce aerodynamic drag. Aerodynamic drag is understood as the resistance that the airflow imposes on the moving car, a layer of air that is mainly concentrated at the rear — filling the void generated by the air passing through the car — and which “pulls” the car back.
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By creating a sort of almost static “cushion” of air in the rear of the car, the spoiler makes the high velocity air bypass this “cushion”, reducing turbulence and drag.
In this sense, the spoiler makes it possible to improve top speed and reduce engine effort (and even consumption…), by making the car less effortless to cross the air more easily. While it may contribute slightly to downforce (negative support), that's not the spoiler's main purpose — for that we have the rear wing.
rear wing
On the opposite side is the rear wing. While the spoiler's goal is to reduce aerodynamic drag, the rear wing's function is exactly the opposite: using the airflow to create downward forces on the car: downforce.
The shape of the rear wing and its higher position makes the air tend to pass underneath, close to the body, increasing the pressure and thus helping to “glue” the rear of the vehicle to the ground. Although it can hinder the maximum speed the car is capable of reaching (especially when it has a more aggressive angle of attack), the rear wing allows for improved stability in corners.
Like the spoiler, the rear wing can be constructed from a variety of materials — plastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber, etc.
The rear wing also has other uses… Ok, more or less ?
